How to Drive Savings Back to Your Wallet at the Pump

Now that the holiday season is over gas prices are beginning to creep back up. According to AAA, gas has crept up only .04 cents to the gallon since last month, but analysts predict that fuel prices will increase although they will not reach the $3.60 high in 2012. Reducing fuel costs is a great way to keep financially fit in the new year.

Here are some ways to achieve that goal:

1. Adjust Route: Sitting in traffic is not only a bummer, it’s a gas guzzler. Try to avoid driving when traffic is heaviest and choose a route that has fewer cars, or wake up a little earlier or leave work a little later (if possible) to avoid the stop-and-go shuffle.

3. Use Apps: Technology has simplified life in myriad ways. One of the best are the gas apps like GasBuddy, which locate the closest gas locations and with price and driving distance information. These apps are especially useful when traveling in unfamiliar territory.

4. Ease Up on the Pedal: Mashing on the gas is a sure fire way to burn fuel fast, and it puts the driver at risk of being stopped by police. Obey the speed limit to save on gas and to avoid paying speeding tickets.